By Opira Samuel

Authorities in Kiryandongo District have imposed quarantine on the sale, consumption and movements of animals to and out of the district following an outbreak of foot and mouth disease in the area a few days ago.

The development was confirmed by the District Veterinary Officer for Kiryandongo Dr. Christopher Owiny during an interview with a Radio Wa reporter on Tuesday.

Dr. Owiny said the move will affect all kinds of animals and will only be lifted when the situation normalises.

He said initially, a total of 37 heads of cattle were spotted to have been infected but the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industries and Fisheries responded by sending over 7000 doses of vaccines which were used to round up the focal areas to prevent more infections.

Dr. Owiny revealed that the worst affected area is Mutunda and Kiryandongo Sub-counties but noted that since the intervention started, no new cases are being recorded.

Meanwhile, the Senior Agricultural Officer for Bweyale, James Odora also confirmed the report of the outbreak saying, they have currently embarked on vaccinating all the animals to prevent the spread of the disease.

Foot and Mouth Disease is a severe, highly contagious viral disease which causes illness in cows, pigs, sheep and goats among other animals.